Brake Lights

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For a period I was counting these but gave up.

1in4 is excessive, but I can tell you around here its at least 1 in 10 (that includes dead side lights too).

I think everyone is relying on the Police to tell them, rather than actually checking.



I check mine say every 2-3 weeks, and before every long journey. I reckon drivers of taxis and such should check every day/other day.
 

Sheffield_Tiger

Legendary Member
No, but MOTs are still only a certificate that the vehicle was roadworthy on the day it was issued...

The thing is though..some cars are so bloody awkward to get at bulbs the drivers just don't bother (wrong of them, but also poor vehicle design).

The number might be more than you think since many modern vehicles with CAN-bus systems illuminate an alternative light as a backup when the main bulb has blown
 
I see that a lot...always a bit wary of that lot...not sure if they are from bandit country with no time to maintain or check their vehicles....I take it plod turns a blind eye also.
 

waving_sausages

New Member
Strange you should say that, a couple of weeks ago a spent a particularly boring 9.5 mile commute counting broken brake lights (I know I'm sad, it seemed like a good idea at the time!). I counted 46 with one brake light missing 22 with both the normal brake lights missing and one with both normal light missing and what looked like one bulb left in the center array!
Problem is I don't know what could be done about it, I can't even remember the last time I saw a police car on my commute. More to the point it would take up a massive amount of time pulling all these people over. Maybe automated number plate recognition cameras bunging out fines?
 

fossyant

Ride It Like You Stole It!
Location
South Manchester
There are an awful lot of people that can't even change an easy to access car bulb, never mind a tricky one.....just like there are people with bikes who can't fix punctures.

The number of times I reminded a neighbour her rear stop light was out :whistle:
 
Then they need to get a garage to replace it for them.

As for the cost, its the cost of running the car... the luxury.





I don't bother telling anyone anymore there are too many for me to tell, and too many for me to care anymore - also I hope that out of the many that I might have previously told - some will have been pulled... (I would say ticketed but UNLIKELY!).

I do try and tell people I know though, and maybe if someone did something nice etc.
 

Kestevan

Last of the Summer Winos
Location
Holmfirth.
I used to occasionaly tell people if I passed one on the commute, but the last time, I pulled up at the lights next to the drivers window. The young lass had the window down as it was a nice day.

I said "Do you know your brake light is out?".
To which she replied "What the F%^K has it got to do with you, you knut?" .

Last time I try and be nice.
 

Cheule

New Member
Location
Coventry
Im wondering why cars have yet to catch up with bikes and buses in this regard and use led brake illumination instead.
 
We had fun with our local newspaper a couple of years back...

THey had a full page front page of an unlit cyclist at dusk on a busy road with a "No Lights!" headline.

Very dramatic.... we had great fun onthe letters page pointing out that of the 6 vahicles in the photo one had a broken headlight, one had no lights at all and one had blue lights (Chavriolet) and were therfore also illegal, angerous and showing an equal contempt for safety and the law as the cyclist.
 

RedBike

New Member
Location
Beside the road
One of the headlight bulbs have failed on my car. A Citroen c3

If anyone would like to change me the bulb then I would be very greatfull because I can't do it and nor can Halfords.
As the local Citroen dealer want nearly £100 to do it i'm just going to wait until the car needs an MOT or both bulbs have gone.

I've read the 'how to' online and apparently it involves using mirrors, addapted long nose pliers or taking the bumper off.
 

al78

Guru
Location
Horsham
The problem with rear lights is that it is not always possible to view the rear lights whilst simulataneously keeping ones foot on the brake pedal.
 
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